Switzerland is a popular destination in Western Europe, visited by several million tourists every year. So it is not only its economic strength but also its touristic attraction for visitors. The summer months are particularly important for hiking enthusiasts, but the ski season is also popular in winter.
We think Switzerland is a must for world travellers. There are few places we have visited that exude as much peace, order and cleanliness as Switzerland. For those who like to hike in nature, Switzerland is a dream destination.
Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations are almost all in the mountains. For good reason, the Swiss Alps attract both the eye and the soul. The enchanting little villages in the mountains, the beautiful bright blue lakes, the breathtaking waterfalls, the large lakes surrounded by pretty little towns, the rocky peaks all create a spectacular sight.
The only negative thing about Switzerland is the price level. Unfortunately, Switzerland is expensive and you need to be prepared for that in advance. Accommodation, restaurants, shops and services are all expensive.
In Switzerland, as in most places, we recommend travelling by car. Parking is available almost everywhere. Cars are not allowed in some places, but other forms of transport are available. Another highly developed transport sector in Switzerland is the train network. So it may be worth considering train journeys.
So let’s explore the best 5 places to visit in Switzerland.
1. Oeschinensee
At the top of the list is our absolute favourite, the Oeschinensee in Kandersteg. Oeschinensee is an alpine lake with breathtaking beauty in the middle of Switzerland, about an hour from Bern. The bright blue lake is surrounded by high, usually snow-capped mountain peaks.
The lake can be reached from the village of Kandersteg, mostly by cable car. After the cable car, there is a short hike down to the lake. If you want to take photos of the lake from above, a steep hiking trail will take you to the best photo points above on the mountainside.
The lake can also be reached on foot, but the road is very steep. Bicycles are not allowed in the area at all, and the terrain is difficult on foot, so we recommend taking the cable car and then walking.
2. Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is also not far from Bern, a small village in the Swiss Alps. Lauterbrunnen is best known for its scenic views. The village is surrounded by huge mountains with giant waterfalls, green alpine pastures and pretty Swiss wooden chalets.
In winter, the area is a famous ski paradise, but the best photos can be taken in summer, when everything is in full color.
Lauterbrunnen is a perfect destination for those who love the outdoors and for those who are looking for an adrenaline rush. Hiking, climbing and base jumping are common activities here.
Close to Lauterbrunnen is another famous village in the area, Grindelwald, which also offers many great leisure activities.
3. Zermatt and Matterhorn
The famous Matterhorn is located in the south of Switzerland, near the Italian border. The Matterhorn is the most visited mountain peak in Switzerland and also the most photographed. It is famous not only for its interesting shape, but also for the Swiss Toblerone chocolate.
The best access to the Matterhorn is from the village of Zermatt. However, it is not possible to drive into Zermatt, instead you have to leave your car in the village in front of it and you can only get to Zermatt by train or taxi. This complicates travellers’ plans a little, but it’s definitely worth it for the views.
From Zermatt, the hiking trail with the best views is the 5 Lakes Walk, which is facilitated by mountain lifts, funicular or train.
This area is also home to Switzerland’s highest mountain peak, the Dufourspitze.
4. Appenzell Alps
The Appenzell Alps is also a popular tourist region in the eastern part of Switzerland. As the name suggests, it is characterized by its lakes and mountain peaks near the municipality of Appenzell.
The Appenzell Alps are an excellent hiking destination with plenty of challenge. Two of the most visited lakes are Seealpsee and Fälensee. Both are difficult to get to, mostly only accessible on foot and on very steep hiking trails. The easiest part is that there is also an asphalt road to Seealpsee. The highest peak is the Säntis, which can be reached by cable car and offers a fantastic panorama.
If you want to hike in the fresh mountain air among breathtaking mountains and beautiful green alpine lakes, then the Appenzell Alps is the perfect place for you.
5. Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, close to the French border. Half of the lake belongs to Switzerland, the other half to France. Two large Swiss towns are located on its shores, Lausanne and Geneva.
It is crossed by the Rhone River, which flows from the Alps to the Mediterranean.
On the northern coast, between Lausanne and Montreux, lies the wine-growing region of Lavaux, a World Heritage Site.
If you’re in Switzerland, Geneva is also worth a trip. Geneva has a very different atmosphere to German-speaking Swiss cities, with a strong French influence. There are many boat trips on Lake Geneva, many of which depart from Geneva. The city’s lakeside promenade also features curiosities such as the Ferris wheel, fountains, statues and the flower clock shown in the photo.
We hope you’re inspired to organise your trip to Switzerland. In Switzerland, you are almost guaranteed to have a good time with the stunning local landscapes, the local food and the hospitality of the local people. Switzerland is a fantastic destination and a favourite of so many tourists for good reason.
